Cycling the Bay Area & Stories from the Garden

A new Coleus joins the garden

Well, friends and family, it is official – I am a Coleus addict! I picked up a new Coleus at Whole Foods on Sunday to join my two existing (and rapidly growing) plants. The new one (seen in the front center of the above) is a variety called ‘Rustic Orange‘ and the care info says it should grow to between 12″ – 24″ at maturity. I can’t wait to see how the color develops.

The colors that my existing Coleus provide is AMAZING!! The ‘Kong mix‘ variety has grown huge in the short time that I have cared for it (maybe 2-months) . The now large green foliage, accented with brilliant magenta veins, provides a brilliant display for me when I enter the apartment. The lovely, delicate violet petals on her flower stalk add a pleasantly unexpected benefit.

The ‘Meandering Linda‘ Coleus, not to be outdone, has spread amazingly and fills the dining area in a rich field of burgundy foliage which has deep red veins (barely perceptible against the burgundy) and a delicate green edge. The foliage of this variety is much smaller and more densely compacted than the ‘Kong mix‘ & has not sent up any flower stalks more than 1″ tall.

Both of existing Coleus were the same size as my new friend; Coleus ‘Rustic Orange’. I replanted him last night, fresh potting mix and a new, larger pot – I mixed a bit of peat moss into the soil to facilitate drainage and give the roots little spaces to curl up and get warm & happy! You will be seeing much more about this little fellow in posts to come.

Coleus Avenue and everyone's out to say hello

Coleus 'Rustic Orange' - welcome to the garden

A couple other items to share include my ‘squirrel proof’ strawberry plants (they are indoors) are now pumping out lots of tasty beautiful red berries on a regular basis – I Love Strawberries!! The strawberry plants outside, provide for my little furry friend, Mr. Squirrel – we understand each other – and I do not mind sharing with him at all.

Berry, Berry, Berry, yay!!

Finally today, I share another picture of my Orchid’s blossom. She has taken yet another fabulous, lovely, and unexpected turn. Her growing flower blossom has now divided into a distinct upper and lower blossom, with the flower spike clearly visible between the two blooms.

Looking at other Orchids for sale at Whole Foods, my wonder now sends images of many flowers to my minds eye. Will this little spike produce many flower? I don’t know. I was prepared to be ecstatic with one flower, I could easily see ‘over the moon‘ with two, where will I get to with more? Happy-Ville, Population: Me. That’s where.

She keeps getting more and more interesting

Happy Tuesday WordPress Gardening Community, I hope each and every one of you is enjoying your gardening adventures! – Noah